2000 Guineas: Enjoy some Kool Kompany at Newmarket

We look at what you need to land the first Classic of the season on the Rowley Mile

The first Classic of the season is drawing ever nearer and here at Ladbrokes News we have been getting stuck into the card for the 2000 Guineas.

As connections plan for their Newmarket excursion there’s a few things we need to remember when seeking out the winner of the contest.

Some strong stats that stand out:

– Seven of the last 10 winners had already triumphed in a Group 1 or Group 2 race

– Of the last 17 Guineas victors, 15 won on their debut

– Breeding is important, with 16 of the last 18 champions being sired by a Group 1 winner over 6f-8f

– The Irish have a strong record in the race winning eight of the last 13 renewals

– Experience is key, with 10 of the last 13 victors having at least three runs

So, where does that leave us? Our handy 2000 Guineas chart has the answers…

Kool Kompany

Richard Hannon’s apparent third string picked up two Group 2s in a busy two-year-old campaign.

He battled all the way to the line in a bold front-running performance in the Craven Stakes on return and is likely to experience the same conditions on Saturday. The only course and distance winner in the field; he looks a massive price to cause an upset.

Gleneagles

The class act based on juvenile form, but the worry with him would be that he hasn’t raced yet this season, and we cannot be sure that he has trained on.

Conditions will be perfect, with all of his previous wins coming on a solid surface, and in the hands of Ryan Moore is a worthy favourite.

Ol’ Man River

The stablemate of the favourite has only had two runs, so is knocked down a mark based on his inexperience, but with O’Brien training two winners of this race after just two starts, he’s in good hands.

He was very impressive in the Beresford Stakes and is entitled to improve.

Estidhkaar

A battling performance to go down just a neck in the Greenham looks solid form, with a step up in trip looking spot on for this dual Group 2 winner.

Ivawood

The champion two-year-old failed to convince that he will stay a mile after folding tamely at Newbury. He meets a lot of the trends, but needs a step forward here.

Ride Like the Wind

He’s experienced and the French have done well here recently, but he looks likely to be a notch below top class.

Celestial Path

Soft ground may have been against him in the Racing Post Trophy when he was beaten just over three lengths. Before that he looked progressive and can go well.

Room Key

He meets three of the five trends, but has been put in his place twice already and looks a no-hoper.

Cappella Sanservo

Ger Lyons’ colt wasn’t beaten far in the Coventry Stakes, but looks a real sprinter rather than a miler.

Elm Park

The Racing Post Trophy winner is an unlikely winner unless we get plenty of rain and looks more a Derby type.

Dutch Connection

Smashed by Faydhan as a two-year-old, and with that one flopping next time out, it’s hard to know how good he is.

Territories

French raider who was third past the post at Longchamp before Gleneagles was demoted. Could be a smart type or a master trainer.

Moheet

Only had two runs and couldn’t peg back Kool Kompany over course and distance. Work to do.

Home of the Brave

Done very little wrong, and put in a bold front-running performance to take the Free Handicap in April. Could be a lively outsider.

Glenalmond

Finished well beaten behind a couple of these on his last two starts, and it’s hard to see Keiren Fallon scoring back-to-back Guineas.

Bossy Guest

Fairly consistent type, though looked to have his quality exposed when down the field at Royal Ascot. Likely to be outclassed.

Code Red

Done all his winning at 6f and likes to take a keen hold. May struggle to get home.

Hail the Hero

Maiden winner but doesn’t look Group class, let alone a winner of this.

Intilaaq

Was very taking on return, but doesn’t have the profile of a Guineas winner and is the lowest rated in the field. Will need major improvement.

Related

Ladbrokes News’ equine expert, Ben likes nothing more than studying the form to pick out a winner or two for our readers. A Journalism and Media Studies graduate from the University of Winchester, Ben has previously written for a number of football and racing blogs and websites, as well as contributing to the sports pages of his home-town newspaper.

Ladbrokes Betting & Gaming Ltd. is licensed (licence no. 1611) and regulated by the British Gambling Commission for persons gambling in Great Britain and LC International Limited, Suites 6-8, 5th Floor, Europort, Gibraltar, is licensed (RGL Nos. 010, 012) by the Government of Gibraltar and regulated by the Gibraltar Gambling Commissioner.